He will become a partner at its London office, the company said.

The former Royal Marine has managed many of the more serious piracy and hostage incidents in recent times, the statement added.

He was also part of the drafting committee that drew up Guardicon, the Bimco standard contract for the employment of security guards on ships.

He also advises on operating in challenging and quickly changing areas like Libya, Crimea, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea.